AO1: Intellectual Development

Define 'abstract logical thinking'.

Answer explanation

Refers to a child's ability to solve problems using their imagination, without having to be have visual or practical prompts.

Define 'egocentrism' (also known as 'egocentric thinking')

Answer explanation

Refers to a child not being able to see a situation from another person’s point of view (Piaget believes that young children assume that other people see, hear and feel exactly the same way as they themselves do).

Define 'concrete logical thinking'.

Answer explanation

Refers to a child's ability to solve a problem when they can see or physically handle a visual or practical prompt.

Define 'schemas'.

Answer explanation

A category ('index-card') of knowledge, and also the process of acquiring knowledge (Piaget theorised children move through stages of intellectual development - and refers to these stages as 'schema').

Define 'conservation'.

Answer explanation

Refers to a child understanding that although the appearance of an object may change, its quantity will remain the same.

Define 'object permanence'.

Answer explanation

Involves a child understanding that items and people still exist even when they cannot see or hear them.

Define 'equilibrium'.

Answer explanation

A state of cognitive balance - when new information is balanced with a child's existing knowledge (schemas).

Define 'disequilibrium'.

Answer explanation

A state of cognitive imbalance - when a child experiences a situation where new information is presented and their existing knowledge (schemas) are upset.

Define 'accommodation'.

Answer explanation

Refers to when existing schemas are modified or changed, which then allows the child to return to a state of equilibrium.

Which 2 life stages involve rapid intellectual development?

Answer explanation

Infancy and early childhood.